Charlottka Vegan Recipe Easy and Delicious Dessert Ideas

Charlottka is a beloved Eastern European dessert traditionally made with apples and a delicate sponge cake batter. This vegan version of the classic charlottka recipe captures all the comforting flavors and textures without any animal products, making it perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle or anyone seeking a lighter, wholesome treat.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—the juicy sweetness of baked apples melds with a tender, airy cake that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step of making a perfect vegan charlottka, share tips to customize it, and provide nutritional insights so you can enjoy this treat guilt-free. Plus, I’ll recommend some related recipes to explore if you love baking or want to try other vegan delights.

So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious charlottka vegan recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan charlottka is a dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with the lightness of a fluffy sponge cake, all made without eggs or dairy. It’s naturally sweetened, easy to prepare, and requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

What makes this recipe especially delightful is its versatility. You can use different types of apples or add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste.

The texture is soft yet moist, and it keeps well for several days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert or snack.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even non-vegans will rave about. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a casual afternoon tea, this charlottka offers comfort and nostalgia with a healthy, plant-based twist.

Ingredients

• 3 large apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Gala)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar)
• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (neutral oils like canola or sunflower work well)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least 2)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9-inch round or square baking dish
• Peeler and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (optional for flour)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sifting the flour ensures a lighter batter.
4. Make the wet mixture: In another bowl, combine the non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
6. Assemble the charlottka: Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Layer the sliced apples over the batter. Then pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading gently to cover them.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Remove the charlottka from the oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a more pronounced apple flavor, toss the apple slices in a mixture of lemon juice and cinnamon before layering them in the batter.”

You can easily customize this recipe by swapping apples with pears or adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. Adjust the baking time slightly as gluten-free flours sometimes require more time.

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, but reduce the non-dairy milk slightly to maintain batter consistency.

Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top before baking adds a delightful crunch to the soft cake.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan charlottka warm or at room temperature with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

For a refreshing contrast, pair it with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee. The subtle spices and apple sweetness complement many beverage options.

Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave and still taste delicious the next day. You might also enjoy it sliced thinly as a sweet addition to breakfast with some nut butter spread on top.

Conclusion

This vegan charlottka recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dessert while keeping it plant-based and wholesome. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

The end result is a moist, flavorful cake bursting with the natural sweetness and aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

If you’re looking to explore more vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Harvest Hash Recipe for a savory delight or the creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe. For a tasty vegan appetizer, the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe is a must-try.

Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your vegan charlottka!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Charlottka Vegan Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and fluffy vegan apple cake that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, it’s naturally sweet and delicious.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 large apples, peeled and sliced”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “3/4 cup sugar”, “1 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy)”, “1/4 cup vegetable oil”, “1 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/2 tsp ground cinnamon”, “Pinch of salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add the oil and vanilla extract to the milk mixture, then combine with dry ingredients until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in the sliced apples gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into a greased baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}